There has by no means been a scarcity of Porsche 911 variants within the mannequin household. From coupés, cabriolets, and Targas, to Turbos, Ts, and GT3s, there’s nearly all the time a configuration to swimsuit anybody looking for a premium two-door sports activities automotive.
In late 2022, because the world emerged from a world pandemic and the confines of dwelling, Porsche unveiled what many contemplate some of the intriguing lifestyle-oriented sports activities vehicles ever: the 992 Porsche 911 Dakar. Its title and the ‘Roughroads’ cough-Rothmans-cough livery paid homage to the Paris-Dakar-conquering Porsche 953.
Dwelling with a Dakar for just a few days is a pleasure. It’s clear that the ethos of making a 911 with off-road capabilities brings quite a few advantages for usability, with few compromises.
Probably the most hanging element of the Porsche 911 Dakar is its floor clearance. It sits 50 mm increased than an ordinary 911 Carrera S with sports activities suspension. Utilizing its raise system, the clearance will increase by a further 30 mm, reaching ramp angles akin to a Cayenne. The four-corner raise system is just not merely for navigating obstacles at low speeds however is an integral a part of the re-tuned suspension. The high-level setting helps off-road adventures at speeds of as much as 170 km/h. Past this, the automotive robotically lowers again to its regular peak.
The drawbacks? As anticipated, the Dakar feels barely much less linked when pushing on. There stays acceptable suggestions, however the steering lacks the sharp precision of different 992 911s. Nonetheless, this doesn’t diminish its efficiency; the Dakar remains to be impressively quick, particularly when raised to high-level mode. One other unfavorable level comes contained in the cabin the place there you’d have anticipated Porsche to have been a contact extra artistic. A missed alternative to flex their Unique Manufaktur programme with unique supplies and even bespoke seat materials as seen in vehicles such because the 992 S/T and Sport Basic.
Below the bonnet is the vigorous flat-six from the 911 GTS fashions. The three.0-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder engine produces 473 bhp (353 kW) and 570 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h dash in simply 3.5 seconds. Its prime velocity, restricted by all-terrain tyres, is 240 km/h. Two new driving modes—Rally and Offroad—improve the Dakar’s off-road prowess. Rally mode gives rear-focused all-wheel drive for unfastened surfaces, whereas Offroad mode maximises clearance. Each modes embody Rally Launch Management, enabling dramatic launches with 20% wheel slippage.
Normal options embody an eight-speed PDK gearbox, Porsche all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering, dynamic engine mounts from the 911 GT3, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Management (PDCC). This interaction ensures the Dakar is as adept on gravel as Porsche claims it’s on the Nordschleife.
Do you have to contemplate a used Dakar over a 992 GTS? With all 2,500 items offered, the Dakar is a uncommon gem. Its enjoyable issue, exclusivity, and skill to redefine how a 911 can be utilized make it an attractive proposition. As with every limited-run Porsche, values are sturdy and prone to maintain. The Dakar invitations house owners to discover terrains by no means earlier than related to a 911, all backed by Porsche’s reliability and guarantee.
